DOA4 Preview:The new Microsoft console is under half a year away and gamers are drooling in anticipation for the next generation of gaming. The Xbox 360 wouldn't be the same if it wasn't launching with a Dead or Alive title and so it will be done says Tecmo's Team Ninja.

Tecmo has a great track record with their games and we've come to expect only the highest quality. I have no doubt that Dead or Alive 4 will meet and exceed all expectations. What we've learned about the game up to now sounds like a mixture for a smashing success. Listen close as I share with you a look inside DOA4.

First thing you should know about DOA4 is that Team Ninja is aiming to one up the gameplay from last years Dead or Alive 2 remake. The emphasis this time around is going to focus more on defense and less arcade like mechanics. The four point counter system from DOA Ultimate is going to remain intact, but team leader Tomonobu Itagaki claims you'll have to more sharp and prepared this time around.

A major change to fighting games in the last year has been the online multiplayer feature, and nothing revolutionized the fighting genre like Dead or Alive Ultimate's arcade style online multiplayer. For DOA4 you can expect more of the same and then more. They are working on having a higher spectator number, as well as extended clan and custom avatar support. The sky is the limit and given the numbers Microsoft has been thrown around for the new system it will all be possible.

For the graphics, all the screens that have been released look amazing and that's not even the final product. If you have a chance check out there e3 demo at Tecmo's homepage to see the game running in all its glory. Even with a bunch of next generation games coming out soon, I'm sure DOA4 will mostly be a runner up for best graphics at the end of the year. Tecmo has already snatched our reward twice over the years. The demo shown at E3 is said to run on only 15% of the Xbox 360's abilities. It will be interesting to see if there is a huge change from what we have seen already.

The new version of Dead or Alive 4 is also going to feature some new characters which is a nice bonus since we lost characters in our last Dead or Alive offering. The totally number is rumored to be around 20-21 characters including Brad and Christy and Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa. The new characters are all confirmed except for the masked female that we suspect is Lisa from Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball. Here is what we know so far rundown of the new characters.

Eliot
Keji Ken Fighting Style (Quick, Single hits, Open palm)

Lisa (Not confirmed)
Capoeira Fighting Style (Brazilian Dance Fighting)

Kokoro
Hakkyoku-Ken Fighting Style (Same as Akira in Virtua Fighter)

In typical Team Ninja fashion the characters will have a number of different costumes and hairstyles. The number of costume changes is rumored to be around 20, but you have to figure the woman need to look stunning and you have to bet their outfits will outnumber the males. For you Zack fans his Tinky Winky outfit will return. Go figure.

With everything that has been shown, and talked about over the last few months Dead or Alive 4 is set up to be one of the biggest Xbox 360 launch titles. We can't wait for this one to define the next generation of gaming. Check back for more news as we await the launch of Microsoft's new console and DOA4.